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Ricochet · 20-11-2003, 04:36 PM

http://www.nypost.com/sports/42897.htm

MLS MAKES MUCH ADU ABOUT FREDDY

November 20, 2003 -- Freddy Adu has been called the next Pele, anointed the future of American soccer. But strip away all the wild exaggerations and breathless hyperbole, the facts of what Adu is, and what he can become, are far more important.
Arguably the finest young soccer player on the planet, Adu is the youngest professional in the modern history of team sports; and, at 14 years old, the most meaningful signing in the eight-year history of MLS.

The league unveiled Adu yesterday at a packed Garden press conference. And the Ghanaian-born, Maryland-bred prodigy, with his megawatt smile and prodigious left foot, showed why MLS gave him a six-year deal and reportedly made him its highest-paid player, at least $600,000 per year.

"If you feel like you're good enough, you're old enough. If you feel you're ready, give it a shot," said Adu, who'll be picked by hometown team D.C. United, who traded with Dallas for the top pick in the draft. "I have faith in MLS. I know they're going to treat me right."

Adu came to the U.S. in 1997 via an immigration lottery, but in a way, it was American soccer that hit the jackpot. He chose MLS over several European powers, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Inter Milan and PSV Eindhoven. Red tape may have contributed to that.

Rules prohibit non-European youngsters from playing for foreign clubs without a European passport until they're 18, so clubs keep low-priced prospects in youth systems. But some teams didn't want to pay Adu big money to sit until 2007.

"Freddy is a very special player. He's the best young player in the world ... not just in the USA, but the world," said MLS deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidas. "The sky is the limit for this young man."

Like next summer's Olympics, or the 2006 World Cup, or a 2007 move to Europe, considering his contract is reportedly a four-year deal with a two-year option. But for the moment, he's concentrating just on getting better at the sport he loves.

"When you're born and raised in Ghana, that's the sport you play. We live, breathe and eat soccer," Adu said. "I used to play in the street. There were patches of dirt, but I'd be out there playing barefoot. There would be goats running by. But I just love the sport. I can't explain the love I have for it."

Adu is the youngest pro since 14-year-old Fred Chapman appeared in a baseball game in 1872.

20-11-2003, 04:36 PM	#101 (permalink)
Ricochet TS Member Favourite Team: USMNT, Manchester United Ricochet is Offline Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: New York Posts: 4,405 vCash: 500 Rep: Rep Points: 698 Country:	http://www.nypost.com/sports/42897.htm MLS MAKES MUCH ADU ABOUT FREDDY November 20, 2003 -- Freddy Adu has been called the next Pele, anointed the future of American soccer. But strip away all the wild exaggerations and breathless hyperbole, the facts of what Adu is, and what he can become, are far more important. Arguably the finest young soccer player on the planet, Adu is the youngest professional in the modern history of team sports; and, at 14 years old, the most meaningful signing in the eight-year history of MLS. The league unveiled Adu yesterday at a packed Garden press conference. And the Ghanaian-born, Maryland-bred prodigy, with his megawatt smile and prodigious left foot, showed why MLS gave him a six-year deal and reportedly made him its highest-paid player, at least $600,000 per year. "If you feel like you're good enough, you're old enough. If you feel you're ready, give it a shot," said Adu, who'll be picked by hometown team D.C. United, who traded with Dallas for the top pick in the draft. "I have faith in MLS. I know they're going to treat me right." Adu came to the U.S. in 1997 via an immigration lottery, but in a way, it was American soccer that hit the jackpot. He chose MLS over several European powers, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Inter Milan and PSV Eindhoven. Red tape may have contributed to that. Rules prohibit non-European youngsters from playing for foreign clubs without a European passport until they're 18, so clubs keep low-priced prospects in youth systems. But some teams didn't want to pay Adu big money to sit until 2007. "Freddy is a very special player. He's the best young player in the world ... not just in the USA, but the world," said MLS deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidas. "The sky is the limit for this young man." Like next summer's Olympics, or the 2006 World Cup, or a 2007 move to Europe, considering his contract is reportedly a four-year deal with a two-year option. But for the moment, he's concentrating just on getting better at the sport he loves. "When you're born and raised in Ghana, that's the sport you play. We live, breathe and eat soccer," Adu said. "I used to play in the street. There were patches of dirt, but I'd be out there playing barefoot. There would be goats running by. But I just love the sport. I can't explain the love I have for it." Adu is the youngest pro since 14-year-old Fred Chapman appeared in a baseball game in 1872. __________________ "Everyone on this forum is dumber for having read this post."